Amadeo Modigliani (Italian, 1884-1920)

'Femme Accoudee' Portrait of de Mme Anka Zberowska

pencil on paper laid down on board

signed

16 x 9.3/4 in. (41 x 25 cm.)

Provenance:

Madame Hanka Zborowska (wife of the artist’s dealer); Galerie Zac, Paris; Ronauld Laaren, The Netherlands; Parke-Bernet, New York, 13th May 1964; Bloomsbury Auctions, London, 12th July 2009; Private Collection Guernsey.

Literature:

Oscaldo Patani, Amadeo Modigliani, Catalogue generale; Disegni 1906-1920, Milano 1991. no. 124. Illustrated. A photo-certificate issued by the Wildenstein Institute, Paris was issued for this work.

The primitive style of this Expressionist painter is perhaps best epitomised by the many portraits he painted of Hanka (Anka). Many hang in major art galleries, such as the New York Museum of Modern Art and the Tate gallery.

Madame Zberwoska was the daughter of a Polish aristocrat who, with her husband, arrived in Paris in 1914. Both became very close to the artist, especially as her husband Leo was his main agent. She remained his primary model, until his early death aged only 35. It is likely therefore that this drawing was executed only a few years before his death. Other artists who painted her include Utrillo, Derain and Foujita. Modigliani drawings are both uncommon and highly sought after, so given its excellent Provenance and Literary references this is a rare chance to acquire a work by one of the all time great painters of one of his most well known sitters.

Condition: The work has recently been restored to a very high standard. The paper was skilfully removed from various layers of backing paper which endangered the drawing through oxidisation. It has now been expertly cleaned and backed onto acid free paper. There are historical repairs to the corners but the image is so much clearer than it was and the trademark delicate pencil marks can now be seen properly. It is in a bespoke hand finished composite frame of recent construction in perfect condition, behind a peachy coloured mount and gilt slip edge, behind glass.